Celebrated Malawian boxer Isaac ‘Golden Boy’ Chilemba has attributed his defeat to Cuban Lenar Perez on Thursday night to ring rust and age.
The South Africa-based boxer made an impressive comeback to the ring after nearly two years, but lost on a unanimous points decision to his undefeated opponent in a World Boxing Council (WBC) continental light heavyweight title bout in Montreal, Canada.
“I had been out for two years, so obviously I was a bit rusty. Age also slowed me down a bit. But I enjoyed it and hopefully I can take to the ring a few more times,” he said.
On losing on points to an opponent who has won 14 of his 16 bouts through knockouts, the former Boxing Organisation (IBO) super middleweight world champion said: “Well, I guess that’s how good he is, but I didn’t give it a damn, I was determined to take him on.
“I will pick myself up and come back stronger.”
The 38-year-old Chilemba, who also boasts several international titles, now has 27 wins, 11 defeats and three draws.
According to boxingscene.com, Perez earned scores of 100-90 on all three cards.
He had an advantage going into the bout with a division larger than Chilemba career light heavyweight.
Despite the latest defeat, Chilemba’s performance was far impressive compared to his previous bout against Russian Alexei Papin which he lost through second round knockout.
Malawi Professional Boxing Control Board president Lonzoe ‘Defector’ Zimba hailed Chilemba’s performance.
“Considering several factors, he did well. He was up against a younger opponent who had won all but one of his fights through knockouts and he has been out of action for nearly two years. I would say it was an impressive comeback and he needs to build up from there,” he said.
